Possible scale of emissions from proposed Jackdaw gas field in North Sea revealed

A proposed controversial North Sea gas field will not have a ‘significant impact’ on the UK’s ability to meet its climate targets, according to the firm behind the development.

The energy firm, Shell, has published the so-called scope 3 emissions from Jackdaw, which is located about 150 miles off Aberdeen.

Scope 3 emissions are those created by burning the fuel from the field.

In the updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Shell says the highest scope 3 emissions will be up to 35.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over 11 years.

Scotland produced 39.6 million tonnes in 2023 and 40.6 million the year before.

Shell says the likely production level from Jackdaw means it will more realistically produce around 23.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The firm says most emissions will occur during the UK’s fifth carbon budget, between 2028 and 2032.

Shell says scope 3 emissions from Jackdaw will equate to around 1.3% of the carbon budget during those years.

In January this year, the Court of Session ruled the granting of consent for both Jackdaw and Equinor’s proposed Rosebank oil field off Shetland were unlawful because the EIA did not take into account the emissions from burning the extracted fuel.

Shell argues the emissions from the field “are not considered to have a likely significant effect” on the UK’s ability to meet its Paris Agreement-aligned carbon targets.

A Shell spokesperson said: “The UK will need gas for many years to come and Jackdaw will be ready to start up next year, providing enough fuel to heat 1.4 million homes.

“Producing gas here in the UK generates less emissions than shipping it from overseas, while strengthening energy security, supporting local jobs and contributing to the UK economy.

“To be clear, the UK will consume this gas, wherever it is produced. Homegrown energy projects like Jackdaw can help to reduce overall emissions.”

However, environmental campaigners who took the legal action against both fields have called on the UK Government not to give them the go-ahead.

Greenpeace UK’s co-executive director Areeba Hamid said: “Now our legal win has forced Shell to reveal the sheer scale of pollution expected from Jackdaw, it’s looking more and more like a dud project for the UK.

“The gas from Jackdaw won’t take a penny off our energy bills but will generate as many emissions as 20 million cars driving on UK roads for a year.

“This will fuel more extreme weather like the devastating droughts, wildfires and floods we have seen this year, leaving ordinary people to pick up the bill.

“It’s decision-time for ministers: if they approve Jackdaw, it’ll be Shell’s profit, our loss.”

Earlier this year, Equinor announced the proposed Rosebank oil field could produce around 250 million tonnes of emissions over its lifespan.

The UK Government and regulator will now decide whether to give both fields the go-ahead now both companies have resubmitted the environmental impact assessments.